Firefly. Glowworm. Lightning bug. No matter what you call this creature, it all means the same thing. However, to me, the term “lightning bug” holds more of sentimental value.

Let’s rewind real quick to the winter of my senior year of high school. I have just received my acceptance letter to college and naturally decided to scope out the Facebook “Class of 2021” group to find some potential friends. Internally I know that the people I become friends with before college probably won’t be the same ones I stay friends with, but still, I am hopeful.

I run across a girl who posts a blurb about herself: from Maryland, enjoys horseback riding, and, surprisingly enough, her phone number. I stopped for a second and wondered who would be crazy enough to willingly give out their phone number to a group of over 900 strangers; however, a part of me was drawn to this boldness. I decided to text this bold horseback rider from Maryland.

The first conversation we ever had was kind of awkward, as expected, but not for long. Before I knew it, hours had flown by and it felt like I had known her since the day I was born. Fast forward a week or so and we decided to FaceTime. During this conversation, I mentioned that lightning bugs fascinated me because they are so small yet bring so much light to the world.

She laughed, not only at my southern accent but also at the fact that out of any creature in this universe I chose a lightning bug. I completely forgot about this conversation for months until I got a text that read, “So I’m outside and I’m looking at the trees and there are lightning bugs :) made me think of you and how amazing you are!! So lucky to have you in my life ily” This text became an emotional lightning bug to me when I needed it most.

Although lightning bugs are just insects to some people, they represent much more to me. Lightning bugs are support, love, adventure, and friendship. Every once in a while, I still get texts from this Maryland horseback rider about seeing these beautiful creatures and it adds one more emotional lightning bug to my life. Except now I get to call this girl one of my best friends, biggest supporters, and most importantly, family. Thank you to my personal lightning bug, Alex.